Hyundai Tucson N-Line previews Tucson N

After being teased one month ago, Hyundai has fully revealed the new Tucson N-Line, which applies a number of sportier styling cues to the brand’s popular medium SUV. 

While not the full N treatment, the N-Line sits in the Tucson range like the i30 N-Line by enhancing the car’s visual appeal and sharpening its driving dynamics. 

In the case of the Tucson N-Line, a sportier appearance is also bolstered by dynamic changes. The N-Line’s front, side and rear styling is more aggressive than the regular Tucson, while large 19-inch alloy wheels in black feature as well.

The Tucson N-Line also sits on a stiffer suspension - five per cent at the rear and eight per cent at the front - as well as revised power steering for a more direct and linear feel at the wheel, ensuring that the Tucson N-Line feels even sportier for those who want it.

Inside the N-Line are sports seats in black leather with red stitching, while a sportier steering wheel, alloy pedals and a sports leather gear knob also feature for a sportier look and feel. 

European models have the choice of two new mild-hybrid drivetrains based on the 136kW 2.0-litre diesel we receive locally, or a 100kW 1.6-litre unit. These attach a 0.44kWh 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack to a mild hybrid starter generator and supposedly reduce the Tucson’s fuel consumption and emissions by up to 11 per cent. 

Australia won’t be receiving these drivetrains for the time being, and if the N-Line is offered locally, expect it to be offered on only the 130kW 1.6-litre turbo-petrol and 136kW 2.0-litre turbo-diesel.

While the Tucson N-Line is reportedly under consideration for local sales, it is yet to be confirmed for Australia. Direct competitors such as the R-Line variant of the Volkswagen Tiguan are popular in the medium SUV market, drawing newcomers like the Ford Escape ST-Line in to join them.

While the N-Line is the sportiest Tucson yet, an even sportier Tucson N is understood to be in development to farewell the current generation of the car. 

It will develop around 250kW from a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, and also come with a whole host of performance upgrades such as adaptive suspension, a trick exhaust and a new eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Do you like the look of the Hyundai Tucson N-Line? Tell us what you think in the comments below.